Honors Convocation kicks off Family Weekend

The Fall Honors Convocation was held in Grace Hall on Saturday, Sept.25. The event saluted students for their academic achievements from the previous semester.

The celebration kicked off with a welcome by the new provost and vice president for academic affairs, Anne Skleder and then an invocation from Father Carl Janicki.

After both of the new faculty members had their moment with the Cabrini College community, it was President Marie Angella George’s time up at the podium. In her speech President George urged students to keep going, to strive to be better.

“You must continue to grow,” the president said. “I urge you to stretch yourselves, take on leadership roles. Explore research and publishing opportunities. Discover then follow your passions and I know your growth will not be left at the doorstep of Cabrini College when you graduate.”

The president also had some words of wisdom from the recently beatified, John Neumann, who Dr. George described as a cheerleader of the liberal arts education.

“Growth is the only evidence of life,” George said, reciting the words of Neumann.

In addition, Dr. George took the time to thank the faculty, friends and families that help inspire students everyday and concluded with a favorite verse.

“I can do all things through the God that strengthens me,” George said, reading from Philippians 4:13.

Dr. Jeff Gingerich, interim dean for academic affairs and associate professor of sociology, came to the podium to honor the Dean’s List recipients and gave a background on the honorees this year.

“For the spring of 2010, an impressive amount of students achieved this honor,” the dean said.

One of those recipients was senior communication major, Arielle Friscia.

“It’s an honor to be on the Dean’s List,” Friscia said, “I feel very accomplished and it shows that my hard work pays off.”

For another senior who is a veteran at receiving honors, the celebration never gets old.

“It’s nice to be recognized among your peers,” Stephanie Iaccarino, English and secondary education major said.

Parents of the recipients seemed to not only be grateful for their child’s academic achievement but also for the college’s recognition of academic excellence.

“I am extremely proud of her and all of her accomplishments,” Anthony Iaccarino, father of Stephanie Iaccarino, said. “I feel blessed to have a wife and a daughter.”

Iaccarino also enjoyed the atmosphere of the Honors Convocation.

“Other schools don’t have something like this. Its great to be recognized in front of your peers.”

“I’m very proud of her. She’s got a full schedule. Working as an R.A. and a math tutor,” Craig Miller, stepfather to Samantha Monastra, mathematics major and business administration and philosophy minor said.

Miller noted his daughter’s love of academics and determination to do well in school, “She went to Cabrini Night at the Phillies. She wouldn’t take the night off. She read during the game.”

Monastra herself noted that she was honored to receive her award but her father, Sal Monastra-Sebasco had much more to say, “I think her gift is her gift of concentration.”

Monastra-Sebasco said “She’s always looking to apply what she learns. I always admired that about her.” As far as whether Cabrini College was a good choice for his daughter, the proud dad eagerly noted, “Cabrini College couldn’t be a better college.”

For the new provost and vice president of academic affairs, Anne Skleder, the first Honor’s Convocation was very pleasing.

“I think this is a wonderful way to kick off Family Weekend.” “I’m so grateful to be warmly welcomed into the Cabrini community and I look forward to a wonderful year ahead,” Skleder said.

“I was delighted to work with the faculty and staff on this day,” Skleder said. “It was wonderful to see how many family and faculty members came out during such a busy time to honor academic achievement of our students.”

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